Instructor

Nathaniel Minton

Class Type 

W

Course Description

Instructor Course Description

This workshop course focuses on the genre of “speculative fiction” which is an umbrella term covering multiple genres that exist outside of reality. This includes fantasy, science fiction, horror, supernatural, alternate history, superheroes, utopian, dystopian, apocalyptic, and combinations of other non-realistic genres. There are few rules or conventions in speculative fiction but works tend to function as allegories for the human condition and need to be consistent within their own rules. Margaret Atwood defines speculative fiction as literature that deals with possibilities in a society which have not yet been enacted but are latent in our world.

Students will focus on the creation and discussion of original fiction pieces (either short stories or novel excerpts 10-15 pages) which will increase their proficiency as fiction writers and deepen their critical responses to the work of peers. Coursework includes weekly discussions and feedback on workshop pieces.

Textbook

No textbooks required.